Free Cuff Me Lacy by Demi Alex Page B

spare and have a seat. I could use the company.” He squatted and his trousers spread snuggly across his thighs. “We can catch up, Lacy."
    He'd been the only one to continue calling her Lacy after fifth grade. The only one who could get away with such a statement. She used to cringe when he'd call her that in high school, but now it sounded kind of nice.
    "When do you plan on introducing me to your friend?” Paddy asked, holding out his palm to the dog sniffing beside him.
    "Cagney, this is Paddy. Friend.” Chrissie guided his hand to pet her partner.
    "Patrick,” he corrected and returned to work on the tire. “Paddy stayed back in high school.” Then a mischievous smirk spread across his lips. “Cagney and Lacy. Cute."
    "Cut it out.” She swatted his rock hard shoulder. “Nobody calls me Lacy anymore. That too stayed—"
    "You'll always be my Lacy.” Paddy winked at her over his shoulder. “But Cagney seems like a good fit, too. I like her."
    "Thanks for the seal of approval, Paddy. I don't know if I could work with her if you didn't like her.” Chrissie rolled her eyes and tried to ignore how much she was enjoying their little banter.
    "Patrick,” he emphasized.
    "Okay, Patrick, ” she repeated, sitting on the spare. “How's the Big Apple treating you?"
    "Not bad.” He locked the L-shaped wrench over a lug nut and stepped on it. “I have a place overlooking the park, and the money is a real bonus, but for some weird reason, I like the idea of coming home for a few weeks. I've missed this place."
    "Yeah, I know what you mean. I tried to move to Fort Lauderdale with my folks, but after a year I came back. I couldn't stand the thought of strangers living in our home. So I made a deal with my parents, and I'm living in the old house again."
    "Great. We share a backyard. Just like old times.” He flashed a smile and pulled the flat off. “You know, I've missed our sunset talks."
    "Me, too."
    She remembered those hour long strolls by the pond when they were kids. Paddy was two years older and her protector. He always soothed any fears and worries away. They'd talk about school, friends, bullies, and even about the time her parents had split up for two months. If it wasn't for him, she would have spent that summer crying in her room. That was also the summer he'd promised to be there forever. But forever never came. And maybe, just maybe, she had a say in that.
    Standing over her, he offered her a hand up. “We could have a glass of wine once I check on Momma and get settled. Better yet, join us for dinner, and then we'll take the wine down to the pond and watch the sunset."
    She rose and sidestepped, allowing him access to the tire. Licking her parched lips, she said, “Thanks for the invite. But I have plans for tonight. How about a rain-check?"
    His jaw squared and his Adam's apple bobbed. “Anytime, Lacy. Anytime."
    Tugging on Cagney's leash, she sauntered toward her vehicle. “Well, I'll be seeing you around."
    "That you will."
    A rush of excitement spilled from her core. It sounded more like a challenge and a promise than a casual phrase. What did it mean?
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    Chapter Two
    Chrissie wrapped her wet hair in a towel and stepped through to her bedroom. Cagney bounded up the stairs and licked the water droplets off her partner's toes. Ticklish as ever, Chrissie jumped back and scooted the dog to the window seat.
    "Sit here and enjoy the afternoon breeze, baby."
    Patting the newly upholstered gold pillows, Chrissie glanced out the double windows and spotted Paddy carrying wood to split toward the side of the house. He wore a pair of ancient looking jeans, a simple white t-shirt, and a pair of work boots. Damn, he'd never looked sexier to her.
    Tucking the bath towel under her arm, she joined Cagney on the pillows and propped an elbow on the sill.
    Her best childhood friend had returned and stood outside her window yielding an ax as if a snow storm was approaching and his life